Editing Probation (section)

== Arming and increased authority ==
{{main|Probation Officer}}
In the United States, most probation agencies have armed probation officers. In 39 states, territories and federal probation, such arming is either mandated or optional. Arming is allowed in an increasing number of jurisdictions.<ref>{{cite web|title=Probation vs. Parole: State by State Comparison|url=http://www.panj.org/pdf/ProbationvsParolecomparison.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208073239/http://www.panj.org/pdf/ProbationvsParolecomparison.pdf|archive-date=8 February 2017|access-date=9 August 2017|website=Probation Association of New Jersey}}</ref>

Probation officers are commonly [[peace officer]]s who possess limited police powers and in some instances, are employed via the court system and take on a more [[bureaucratic]], [[social worker]] role.